Behind the Scenes: The Ingham Gift Collection

This video features Nic Jenzen-Jones and Stephen Weese discussing the background and creation of their new book, "SWORDS OF THE EMPEROR: A Guide to the Identification of Imperial Japanese Swords, 1873 – 1945". They delve into the historical context and identification aspects of Japanese swords from the Meiji Restoration through World War II. A discounted preorder for the book is also being promoted.

This video announces the release of 'Swords of the Emperor: A Guide to the Identification of Imperial Japanese Swords, 1873–1945,' a new book by Headstamp Publishing. The book details the evolution of Japanese military, police, diplomatic, and court swords during a significant modernization period. It features over 600 pages with more than 2,000 original photographs and archival material, covering over 220 swords, including both traditional and machine-made examples. Written by prominent Japanese sword collector John E. Plimpton, the guide is intended for collectors, curators, and researchers, as well as enthusiasts interested in this under-studied area of Japanese swordmaking history.

This video explores the evolution and construction of Japanese arms and armour, focusing on Samurai and Ashigaru. It details lamellar armour construction, the absence of shields due to mounted archery, the significance of helmet crests, and the social importance of the Daisho (Katana and Wakizashi). The content also touches upon foreign influences and the transformation of matchlocks from functional weapons to status symbols.

This video features Thom Richardson, Curator at the Royal Armouries, discussing objects from the Ingham Gift Collection. The Royal Armouries is the UK's national collection of arms and armour. The channel showcases behind-the-scenes museum activities, combat demonstrations, jousting coverage, and curator-led tours. Viewers are encouraged to ask questions about arms and armour in the comments.

This video is a book review of "Swords of the Emperor: A Guide to the Identification of Imperial Japanese Swords, 1873 – 1945" by John Plimpton, published by Headstamp Publishing. The book covers a less-studied period of Japanese swordmaking, detailing the evolution of military, police, diplomatic, and court swords. It features over 2,000 photographs and archival material, illustrating both traditional and modern sword types, including specific examples like the 1873 Japanese Marine sword and the Gensuitō gifted to King George V. The review highlights the book's value for collectors, curators, researchers, and enthusiasts interested in Japanese military history and sword identification.

This video explores the rich history and cultural significance of the Katana, the iconic Japanese fighting sword. It highlights its status as the preferred weapon of Samurai warriors and discusses why many consider it to be the greatest sword ever created. The video also includes promotional content for the "God Family and Guns" YouTube channel, their Patreon, and website.

This video features Ian McCollum and Jonathan Ferguson in a 60-second challenge at the Royal Armouries to find three unique firearms: a Charlton Automatic Rifle, a Schwarzlose Model 1898 pistol, and an early SA80 prototype. They discuss unusual mechanical operations and limited historical impact, highlighting experimental designs like the Sterling 7.62mm prototype and the Mars .45 Automatic Pistol.

The Knight's Armament KS-1, designated L403A1 by the British Army, is a new AR-15 platform rifle adopted for specialized units like the Army Special Operations Brigade and Royal Marines. It features a 13.7-inch barrel, ambidextrous controls, and is equipped with a Vortex 1-10x LPVO and an Aimpoint ACRO P-2 for versatile engagement ranges. The rifle utilizes a KAC QDC/MCQ-PRT suppressor and is part of 'Project Hunter' to enhance interoperability with allied forces.

This video details the armor and weaponry of an 11th-century Norman knight, emphasizing the evolution of protective gear. It covers the padded undergarments, the mail hauberk constructed from thousands of iron rings, and the nasal helmet for head protection. The kite shield offered significant defense, while primary weapons included the lance and a one-handed sword.

This video explores a unique modernization attempt of the Martini-Henry rifle using Captain Harston's Patent Magazine. Jonathan Ferguson details the Mark IV rifle's features and the external magazine's mechanism, designed to convert the single-shot rifle into a five-round repeater. Despite its ingenuity, the system faced issues with reliability, high conversion costs, and was ultimately overshadowed by superior bolt-action designs like the Lee-Metford.